Bone Manaia
The bone manaia above is approximately 60mm (2 3/8 inches) in length.
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Bone Manaia Jewelry is an important ancient craft, which is not only a form of highly wearable art, but also an important historical artifact as their creators had no written language, therefore tribal history and the stories of the gods were kept alive by using fine arts and crafts. These included everything from basket and cloth-weaving to detailed carvings in bone, shell and greenstone.
A Bone Manaia is a mythical being with a birds head and a human form. The ancient Bone Manaia is said to be the messenger between the earthly world of mortals and the domain of the spirits. Manaia are therefore regarded as holders of great spiritual energy and guardians against evil. Manaia can be seen blended into many Maori designs with subtle differences between tribes.
A Manaia worn with respect, or given or received with love, is said to take on much of the spirit of the person wears or handles it, and therefore the Manaia can become a spiritual link between people spanning time and great distance. Bone Manaias that have been worn by family or Maori and Polynesian tribal members over many generations contains the spirit of all of those people and is truly a powerful treasure.
Bone Jewellery is remarkable as it has a very special feel about it quite unlike anything else ever experienced. The bone has a milky white appearance and soft flowing lines, and the Manaia feels soft and warm to the touch, but the finish is like polished glass. The Bone Manaia may seem to blend with your body and become a part of you, especially when worn against the skin. Over time, Manaias made from bone will absorb oils from your skin and change colour to a very light honey gold - many New Zealand Maori and Polynesians believe this to be the manaia taking on some of your spirituality or essence, truly becoming a part of the wearer.
Our master hand carvers from NZpacific.com also have a number of unique Manaia designs in bone, greenstone, and beautiful Paua shell.
All Bone Manaia purchased through NZ Pacific are presented with a braided or platted waxed braid cord, along with native flax bag woven to show the traditional styling and beauty of the Bone Manaia. Also supplied is an attractive information sheet telling the meaning of that particular Manaia.
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